Lotus Esprit to be launched in 2012

The weight conscious sports car builder Lotus is very busy with the development of their new Elise and Esprit models. The smaller Elise is set to debut in 2011 and will be an even more developed version of what we see on the road today.

While on the other hand, the Esprit, set to be unveiled in 2012, is dependent on how well the automaker does selling their Evora model. The Esprit will be a longer, wider version of the new Evora powered by a V8 mounted in the mid-ship position.

Lotus hopes that by 2012 they will be moving anywhere from 4000 to 5000 units per year. But the future looks a little dim for the English company, as the deal with Abarth to produce a future sports car has been canceled and the Europa-based Dodge Circuit electric car also taking a dirt nap Lotus hopes that their new Evora will help them weather these hard times.